Study: Caffeine in sodas needs labeling

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Looking for a quick pick-me-up to get through a long afternoon? Forget that cola. A fizzy citrus drink could provide even more of a boost.

A new study shows that citrus-flavored sodas often have a higher caffeine content than the most popular colas. The research also found that caffeine content can vary widely from brand to brand.

The researchers say labels on packaging should give the caffeine content to help buyers make informed choices. While most cans and bottles of soda don't give caffeine amounts, some national brand beverage companies are already heading in that direction.

The Food and Drug Administration does not limit the amount of caffeine in foods. FDA spokeswoman Veronica Castro said a 0.02 percent caffeine content is generally recognized as safe for cola-type beverages. For a 12-ounce soft drink, that's about 72 milligrams of caffeine.

The study by Leonard Bell and co-author Ken-Hong Chou found caffeine content in 12-ounce sodas ranged from 4.9 milligrams for a store brand of cola to 74 milligrams in Vault Zero, a citrus drink.